Girl, 15, sexually assaulted by 10 youths

POLICE are hunting for a gang of 10 youths who sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl in a park.

The terrifying attack happened on Tuesday night at Waterworks Park, Antrim Road, north Belfast, as the teenager and a friend walked near a playground. The park was sealed off yesterday as officers searched for clues. The girl was also being interviewed by police about her ordeal.

Clothing believed to have been ripped from the girl's body during the attack has been recovered from a lake in the park and divers were searching for more items. However, a police spokesman said it was too early to confirm if the clothing was the teenager's. The attack took place around 11pm. The teenager's friend ran to nearby houses to raise the alarm. Politicians in the area said local people had been shocked by the attack.

The police officer investigating the attack last night said the girl had not been raped but had suffered a "traumatic indecent assault."

Detective Inspector Brian Logan confirmed the 15-year-old had been attacked by up to 10 youths and appealed for anyone with information about the assault to contact police. "This young girl is understandably traumatised by what she suffered. She is being dealt with by professionals in our child abuse and rape inquiry unit she is still suffering from the trauma of what happened."

Film from a CCTV camera in the area was being examined, he said, to see if it would help identify the gang.

Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly said: "This was an absolutely deplorable attack on a young girl.

"As I understand it a gang of youths attacked the girl as she and her friend walked through the park." He said the local community had been striving to "take back" the Waterworks and other public areas from those who were using them for anti-social behaviour.

Alban Maginness, of the SDLP, said he was shocked and very angry at the attack.

"It is completely unacceptable that young women are not safe in their own neighbourhood," he said.

Mr Maginness called on the police and city council to do all they could to make the area safe for families and young people.

"The park should be a fantastic resource in north Belfast, but while these sorts of attacks occur, people cannot feel safe," he said.